Skin Lacking Bounce? Here Are 4 Reasons Why (& How To Fix Them)

It's difficult to feel like a boss babe when sporting sad and droopy skin. Skin that appears worn out really drags down your complexion — pun intended. But what does it mean when your skin lacks bounce? This often translates to a loss of elasticity which allows the skin to stretch and quickly snap back into place. Healthy, youthful skin demonstrates high elasticity, but this steadily decreases over the years due to the natural process of aging, per Healthline. 

While aging certainly contributes to droopy skin, other factors may also contribute to elasticity loss. Addressing sagging skin also requires you to tune into the external and internal factors that affect skin health. If you notice your skin lacks vitality and bounce, this calls for immediate action because you deserve to look and feel confident. Take a look at the top four causes of lackluster skin and what to do about it.

Dehydration occurs when your skin lacks water. Insufficient hydration levels lead to a dull complexion and, if not treated, ages your skin. Those with chronically dehydrated skin typically experience advanced signs of aging, such as wrinkles and skin laxity or sagging, according to Tatcha. Your skin may also feel rough and uncomfortably tight due to dryness. Dark circles under the eyes, dry patches, and sensitive skin make up the other telltale signs of dehydration. These combined symptoms contribute to elastosis, a loss of elasticity, per Healthline.

So what causes dehydrated skin in the first place? Unfortunately, this skin condition arises from a myriad of factors, including climate change, smoking, not drinking enough water, and an unhealthy diet. To treat dehydrated skin, look for water-based skincare creams and serums that contain hyaluronic acid. Your skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid to provide moisture, so incorporating it into your skincare routine allows it to replenish and plump the skin (via Harvard Health). This hydrating ingredient also plays a role in skin flexibility, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

The environment also influences your skin's vitality. According to Yale Medicine, studies link prolonged sun exposure to premature aging. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate deep into the skin and alter the DNA, leading to signs of early aging such as wrinkles, pigmentation, decreased elasticity, and unbalanced skin texture. And that's not the only external factor you should worry about. Your skin also absorbs pollutants in the air, which means that city living also affects your skin's integrity. Large cities often have poor air quality due to the free radicals induced by exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, and manufacturing pollution (via Solésence). Long-term exposure to these free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, damages DNA which significantly reduces skin elasticity and accelerates aging, per Kosmoderma Clinic. 

Thankfully, advanced skincare technology provides all the protection you need to prevent skin from losing elasticity. To combat the effects of UV ray damage and air pollution, look for skincare products that include sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant support. The sun's rays can still affect your skin on cloudy days, so apply a product with SPF daily to prevent sun damage. According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Dermatology Research and Practice, antioxidants repair damage caused by free radicals, so everyone benefits from using an antioxidant serum in their skincare routine. Though, this especially applies to those who live in or near a major city.

According to a 2022 study published in the Dermatology Practical and Conceptual Journal, collagen improves skin elasticity and helps maintain hydration. Although collagen production gradually decreases as you age, some people experience a drop in collagen due to a deficiency. Low levels of collagen may indicate poor diet, as gut health plays a part in collagen deficiency. The scientifically proven connection between living a healthy lifestyle and supple, bouncy skin cannot be ignored. For instance, excessive amounts of refined sugar deplete collagen stores, per Rejuvenated. Not eating enough protein also reduces collagen production and influences elastin production. Elastin, another fibrous protein responsible for skin elasticity, also dictates skin health (via the Cleveland Clinic). As with collagen, inadequate elastin levels result in a lack of bounce and radiance.

On a similar note, cigarettes remain a major offender to skin health. Smokers typically exhibit signs of premature aging, and studies prove that the chemicals found in cigarettes degrade collagen and elastic fibers, per WebMD. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods aids in elastin production and slows aging by fighting free radicals. Consuming a diet rich in amino acids also provides your body with the necessary building blocks to maintain its collagen and elastin stores. Consider taking collagen supplements, and center your diet around nutrient-dense foods such as animal proteins, greens, and quinoa to promote collagen and elastin production.

If your skin feels excessively flaky and irritated, then it is in desperate need of a refresher. Don't confuse dry skin for dehydrated skin. Dryness occurs when the skin fails to produce adequate amounts of sebum (oil), which normally protects the skin's outermost layer from the external environment that can strip the skin of moisture. When your skin does not secrete sebum on its own, the skin barrier is unable to efficiently retain this moisture (via Dermaologica). Dry skin also manifests across other areas of the body and sometimes causes cracking, peeling, or a burning sensation. Chronic dryness also goes hand-in-hand with certain skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis, per the American Academy of Dermatology.

If your thirsty skin needs a pick-me-up, return to the basics of skincare: Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. Try a milky cleanser that won't strip your skin, and depending on the severity of your dry skin, feel free to skip exfoliation. With chronically dry skin, dead skin cells pile up, contributing to the rough texture and loss of radiance. Occasional exfoliation buffs away dead skin and reveals the healthy layer of skin underneath for a renewed complexion. For dry and sensitive skin, opt for a gentle exfoliating acid such as lactic acid, followed by an oil-based cream or serum.